Hospitality News February 21, 2018

February 21, 2018

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

CRA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The Colorado Restaurant Association has been working hard to represent the restaurant industry at the Colorado General Assembly. Here’s an update on bills we have been working on!

Senate Bill 138 has passed out of the Senate with zero opposition. This bill will allow a restaurant or bar to sell their remaining alcohol stock to another liquor license with common ownership if their liquor license is surrendered or revoked. It will now move over to the House of Representatives where we expect a similar reception. The CRA testified in support of this legislation as it will allow a business to maintain the investment they have made in their businesses.

Senate Bill 067 has passed the Senate and the first committee in the House with zero opposition. This bill will allow charities to utilize silent auctions containing sealed bottles of alcohol at on-premises liquor licensed locations. It will now be heard by the entire House of Representatives where we expect the bill to pass quickly. The CRA testified in support of this legislation because it provides protections to restaurants and bars who want to support their local charities.

House Bill 1084 failed to get out of committee. This bill would have allowed a local government to determine how to use the revenue from their lodging tax collected, which can currently only be used for tourism purposes. The CRA opposed this legislation because we believe that tourism funding is vital to helping restaurants in Colorado. Tourism funding has one of the best return on investments of any other kind of government funding. Each dollar spent on tourism generates almost $300 in economic impact for the State of Colorado.

FROM THE NATIONAL CONGRESS

Thanks to those who contacted their members of Congress last week on the ADA Education and Reform Act; your support helped convince a bipartisan majority in the House to pass the bill. They passed HR 620, which would provide a “right to cure” for ADA violations. This legislation would give businesses who receive a claimed violation of the ADA 90 days to cure the violation before a law suit could be brought against the business. The National Restaurant Association is now working with a bipartisan group of leaders in the US Senate to introduce similar legislation in the Senate. The CRA supports this legislation because it provides a much needed cure to the rise of “drive by” law suits that are draining money from businesses for minor violations.

As always, if you are interested in our legislative efforts be sure to read the latest Legislative Update. We update this document weekly during the legislative session. If you have further questions on any of these issues do not hesitate to reach out to Nick Hoover for clarification.

STATE OF RESTAURANT SUSTAINABILITY

New National Restaurant Association research shows restaurants of all types are conserving resources, reducing waste and connecting with environmentally aware guests. How do they do it?

We surveyed restaurant owners and operators about their environmental efforts and sustainability challenges. We also surveyed consumers about how restaurants could best promote sustainability practices to guests. Here’s what we found:

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS

+ Make a difference as we gather for the restaurant industry's most important grassroots lobbying event. The National Restaurant Association’s 32nd annual Public Affairs Conference April 17-18 in Washington D.C. is your chance to make your voice heard as we head into the midterm elections.

FROM OUR FRIENDS

March 6: Road to Zero Waste – CRA members can attend the following sessions at no cost! First the education session on The Food Waste Hierarchy, and then stick around for Movie & Chat with Anthony Bourdain’s latest documentary Wasted! The Story of Food Waste.

SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT OUR INDUSTRY

Network with fellow business owners, stay up to date on legislative issues important to our industry, connect with your peers, take advantage of significant savings opportunities and stay informed. Join the Colorado Restaurant Association!

Restaurant Owners – The CRA is a full-service solution for every type and size of restaurant. We are powerful advocates for the industry, an information hub and a catalyst for networking. And we’re committed to offering meaningful benefits and resources you need to run a profitable business.

Service Providers - Companies that serve restaurants have a strong ally in the CRA. Our restaurant members look to the CRA members first when seeking products and services, they also make the real connections with service providers at local and state events.